Pfaeffikon, Schwyz, Switzerland – March 31, 2023 – Oerlikon published today its Sustainability Report 2022, outlining its strong progress, particularly in its environmental metrics, and achievements of the company in environmental, social and governance topics.
Excellent Progress in Sustainability Targets1
- Oerlikon now among the top 10% of the best-rated companies in the industrial sector in terms of sustainability, following rating upgrades in 2022.
- Improved on all operational environmental targets, notably: +25 sites with energy management systems (EnMS), +5 sites using solely renewable electricity, -16.9% in GHG emission intensity2 and reduced waste disposed to 28%.
- Increased R&D investments in sustainability products to 73%.
- Reduced total accident frequency rate by 15% to 0.75.
- Defined sustainable procurement roadmap for 2022 to 2030.
“We are pleased to have made excellent progress toward our sustainability goals and are now among the top 10% of the best-rated companies in the industrial sector in terms of sustainability following rating upgrades,” said Georg Stausberg, Chief Sustainability Officer and CEO of Oerlikon’s Polymer Processing Solutions Division. “We improved on all our environmental targets – from increasing the implementation of energy management systems and share of renewable electricity to decreasing emission intensity and share of waste disposed.”
Presently, 55 of Oerlikon’s sites have EnMS in place, which represents a third of all sites and covers 71% of Oerlikon’s global energy consumption. These systems allow the Group to better manage energy usage and to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency and conserving energy. Such systems also support the decision making for the purchase and use of renewable sources of electricity. After adding another five sites, Oerlikon has to date a total of 18 sites that uses electricity solely from renewable sources. Oerlikon also succeeded to reduce its GHG emission intensity from 60.9 to 50.6, representing a 16.9% reduction, and lowered its share of waste disposed from 42% to 28%. As a technology innovator, Oerlikon increased its R&D expenditure from 72% to 73%, developing sustainable products that help customers save energy, reduce waste and/or avoid emissions.
In 2022, Oerlikon strengthened its diversity through actions and programs. While facing challenges in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Oerlikon slightly increased the percentage of women in management and leadership roles from 12% to 13%. At the 2023 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, a new female Board member was elected, and by that, 25% of the Board is now represented by women. In addition, Oerlikon celebrated the International Women’s Day and Pride Month, and organized its 2nd Diversity Conference with disability as the theme. In addition, Oerlikon is a signatory to the Equal Voice initiative, underlining its commitment to enabling and encouraging equal voice for each and every person.
“Governance remains a key priority. Since taking on the role of Executive Chairman, I have personally met with key stakeholders to listen to their feedback,” added Michael Suess, Executive Chairman of Oerlikon. “As a direct result, we have expanded our governance and sustainability disclosures to provide additional transparency and will continue to promote a better understanding of Oerlikon and our sustainability strategy.”
1 Compared to the baseline value.
2 GHG emission intensity is measured in tons of CO2 equivalent per million Swiss francs of sales.
Visit Oerlikon’s website at oerlikon.com/sustainabilityreport-2022 for the online and PDF (download) version of the report.
About Oerlikon
Oerlikon (SIX: OERL) is a global innovation powerhouse for surface engineering, polymer processing and additive manufacturing. The Group’s solutions and comprehensive services, together with its advanced materials, empower customers by improving and maximizing the performance, function, design and sustainability of customers’ products and manufacturing processes in key industries. Pioneering technology for decades, everything Oerlikon invents and does is guided by its passion to support customers’ goals and foster a sustainable world. Headquartered in Pfaeffikon, Switzerland, the Group operates its business in two Divisions – Surface Solutions and Polymer Processing Solutions. It has a global footprint of more than 12 100 employees at 205 locations in 37 countries and generated sales of CHF 2.9 billion in 2022.
Disclaimer
OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Pfäffikon together with its affiliates, hereinafter referred to as “Oerlikon”, has made great efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this document. However, Oerlikon makes no representation or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this document. Neither Oerlikon nor any of its directors, officers, employees or advisors, nor any other person connected or otherwise associated with Oerlikon, shall have any liability whatsoever for loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from any use of this document.
The contents of this document, including all statements made therein, are based on estimates, assumptions and other information currently available to the management of Oerlikon. This document contains certain statements related to the future business and financial performance or future events involving Oerlikon that may constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein could be substantially impacted by risks, influences and other factors, many of which are not foreseeable at present and/or are beyond Oerlikon’s control, so that the actual results, including Oerlikon’s financial results and operational results, may vary materially from and differ from those, expressly or implicitly, provided in the forward-looking statements, be they anticipated, expected or projected. Oerlikon does not give any assurance, representation or warranty, expressed or implied, that such forward-looking statements will be realized. Oerlikon is under no obligation to, and explicitly disclaims any obligation to, update or otherwise review its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This document, including any and all information contained therein, is not intended as, and may not be construed as, an offer or solicitation by Oerlikon for the purchase or disposal of, trading or any transaction in any Oerlikon securities. Investors must not rely on this information for investment decisions and are solely responsible for forming their own investment decisions.
